UNSC Unanimously Condemns May 17 Drone Attack on UAE's Barakah Nuclear Plant, 1st in Arab World

BRICS Delhi Declaration 2026 Avoids Ukraine, Condemns US Tariffs & Pahalgam Attack

The 45-page BRICS Delhi 2026 declaration carefully sidesteps the Ukraine war to accommodate Russia, condemns US tariffs and secondary sanctions, reiterates support for Palestine and the Pahalgam terror attack victims, and backs Iran's WTO bid. This is a masterclass in diplomatic balancing for the Global South.

UNSC Report: Red Fort Attack 'Officially Attributed' to Al-Qaeda in Indian Subcontinent (AQIS)

The UN Security Council's monitoring team has officially attributed the November 2025 Red Fort terror attack to Al-Qaeda in the Indian Subcontinent (AQIS), highlighting the group's evolution into a decentralized regional entity. The report also raises concerns about AQIS exploiting Bangladesh for new cells and notes ongoing threats from ISIL-K and TTP in Afghanistan.

India Joins P4M Alliance, Seeks UN Security Council Seat 2028-29 as UN Authority Fades

India's growing global influence coincides with the UN's declining authority. The article analyses India's strategic dilemma: it must shape international rules while avoiding dependence on rival power blocs. Key development: India co-launched the Partners for Multilateralism (P4M) group with Brazil, Canada, Kenya, EU, Australia, Barbados to counter economic coercion and advance collective interests.

North Korea Launches 10 Ballistic Missiles; Seoul Estimates 80–120 Warheads vs Trump’s 57

North Korea launched 10 short-range ballistic missiles on August 20, 2026, escalating tensions just as US President Trump seeks to revive diplomacy with Kim Jong Un. Meanwhile, South Korea’s Defence Ministry estimates the North’s nuclear arsenal at 80–120 warheads—more than double Trump’s claim of 57—highlighting a major intelligence gap with strategic implications for regional stability and non-proliferation.

India-Belgium Sign Letter of Intent for Defence Cooperation: €50 Mn Ammo Plant, MCM Vessels & Drone Projects

India and Belgium signed a Letter of Intent for structural defence cooperation, covering joint exercises, maritime security, and industrial projects. Key deals include a €50 million ammunition production line (100 million rounds/year), mine countermeasure vessels, and assembly of 70mm rockets in India. This strengthens India's defence indigenisation and Belgium's foothold in the Indo-Pacific.

NIA Links 7 Foreign Nationals (6 Ukrainians, 1 American) to Drone Attack on Myanmar Civilian Aircraft

The NIA has informed a Delhi court that seven foreign nationals (six Ukrainians and one American) were involved in a drone attack on a civilian aircraft in Myanmar. The case exposes illegal border crossings, drone training for ethnic armed groups, and links to proscribed Indian insurgent groups, raising serious concerns for India's internal security.

UNSC: Russia, China Veto US Resolution on Iran Sanctions Monitoring; Snapback Triggered Sept 2025

Russia and China vetoed a US-led UN Security Council resolution that would have extended the mandate of UN experts monitoring sanctions on Iran, which were reimposed via the 'snapback' mechanism in September 2025. The veto creates a monitoring gap; Iran currently holds 440.9 kg of uranium enriched to 60% purity, a technical step away from weapons-grade. The US had sought to extend the expert panel for a year as part of its broader isolation campaign against Tehran.

4th PCA Award Against India: Ratle Project Halted, Treaty Remains in Force as India Keeps Abeyance

The Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) has issued its fourth award against India, ruling that India's decision to keep the Indus Waters Treaty in abeyance is impermissible and ordering a halt to the Ratle Hydroelectric Project. India rejects the PCA as illegally constituted and maintains the treaty is effectively dead. Meanwhile, India is pushing ahead with eight major infrastructure projects on the western rivers worth ₹50,000 crore, signalling a decisive shift in its water-sharing stance.